Being 'good with money' ranked fourth most desirable attribute in a partner

Being ‘good with money’ recently ranked as number four in a list of the top ten most desirable attributes in a potential partner, even beating out 'good looks' and 'personality.'

But despite seeking out financially competent partners, more and more women are feeling dissatisfied with their man's money managing skills.

One in five Australian women admit they don't trust their boyfriend’s financial ability, while 16 per cent of married women say they wouldn't trust their husbands to manage the household finances.

Having a partner who was good with money was never a "checkbox" on Dani Downs' list, but once she started sharing bank accounts with her fiancé, Stuart Morton-Wild, she realised just how much it mattered.

Dani says that Stuart is 'fantastic' when it comes to managing money. (Supplied)

"Lucky for me, he's fantastic," she told 9Honey.

Having managed and owned businesses since his teenage years, Stuart is an "absolute guru" when it comes to managing expenses and cash flow and introduced some clever financial habits when he and Dani combined accounts.

"He brought the 'buy it once, buy it right' motto to our purchasing habits and we always discuss the best way to make a big purchase before throwing money around," Dani said.

"I like to get the thing, finish the job, tick the box, even if I spend a little more; whereas Stuart takes the time to research and find the best possible deal, and loves to negotiate."

"Some of us are good with money and some just aren’t. If your partner isn't that great, then it's time to have a constructive talk about this," she told 9Honey.

"Knowledge is power, and that applies even if you feel your financial situation isn't great."

She explains that while it's probably best to avoid talking finances on the first or second date, it's important to understand how you and your partner manage money independently before doing something like opening a shared account or making a major purchase together.

Bianca's top tips for the "money chat" are:

Talk openly about your individual financial positions.

Understand each other’s values, attitudes and financial goals, particularly whether they are aligned.

Identify how financially literate you both are, and areas where further education may be needed.

Talk about the management of joint finances. Who will manage this, and ensure full disclosure?

Talk about kids. Do you want them? Do you know the financial impact and how you might want to manage this?

Engage the support of an expert be they paid, or not such as a free financial counselor or your bank, as a trusted sounding board.

Luckily for Dani and Stuart, they managed to merge their finances pretty seamlessly – but Dani says the pair still keep their own personal accounts so they "don't accidentally go overboard."

Now with their wedding on the horizon Dani is looking forward to the next step in their relationship and says she's more than confident in their ability to manage finances together.

"We share a brain when it comes to household finances," she said.

"He's a little savvier on minimising interest and I'm a bit more pedantic around adding to savings. Our finances are based on communication and a shared vision for the future, so as long as we're both on the same page, we'll be fine."

Despite the current wage gap and some outdated beliefs that men should make financial decisions, Bianca explains that women are "increasingly more in control of the household spending."

"I encourage all women to be financially savvy whether in a relationship or not," Bianca said.

"That could be as simple as routinely tracking your spending in your mobile or online banking, or even setting up different accounts for different purposes like paying the bills, saving for a holiday and everyday spending."

Dani says that there's nothing wrong with teamwork when it comes to managing finances. (Supplied)

Dani agrees that being financially competent is an essential life skill for anyone, but there's "nothing wrong with a bit of healthy team work."

"More important than the financial skills are communication and planning," she said.